Clara visits the circus in New Rose 'Nutcracker'

Friday

Dec 13, 2013 at 2:00 AMDec 13, 2013 at 8:18 AM

"There are lots of wonderful performances of 'The Nutcracker,'" says Dee Kelly, the production's director-choreographer and an instructor with the theater's affiliate, the Hudson Valley Conservatory, for 19 years. "We didn't want to compete."

Deborah J. Botti

Ten years ago, the New Rose Theatre in Walden decided to take a crack at a holiday classic.

"There are lots of wonderful performances of 'The Nutcracker,'" says Dee Kelly, the production's director-choreographer and an instructor with the theater's affiliate, the Hudson Valley Conservatory, for 19 years. "We didn't want to compete."

And because HVC teaches drama and music along with dance, the opportunity was afforded to tweak the original with a more theatrical flair. Kelly describes New Rose's interpretation as less-intimidating than the classic ballet, making it more accessible to a younger audience, too.

"Back then, we used the Duke Ellington version of Tchaikovsky's music," she says. "Our first Clara went to New York City, rather than the Land of Sweets, which was appropriate in this jazzy version."

But five years later, there was change in the makeup of the company. A number of high school seniors had graduated and moved on; the remaining members were noticeably younger — rendering far-fetched the cosmopolitan Clara concept.

"So we asked, 'Where would a little kid like to be in the dream sequence?' A circus," Kelly says.

Tonight through Sunday marks the fifth season that Clara goes to the big top with her Nutcracker Prince. The first half of the production is in black and white — from the costumes to the stage, which were designed by Zak Kiernan.

"Then when Clara enters into the dream sequence, there's a burst of color, but still reminiscent of candy," says Kelly of the peppermintlike reds and whites with splashes of purple. "Madison Pomarico has danced the role of Clara for a couple of years. She's a senior now, so this is her last year, but she's going to college to study dance. She's been with me a very long time."

The colorful second act also includes dance variations, with some gymnastic moves, that feature candy-cane acrobats and comical circus characters. The cast of about 30-35 students ranging in age from seven to 18 also portray winter-white school kids and popcorn angels.

"The tightrope walkers, for example, are not actually walking on a tightrope — it's all dance-based — but it definitely gives the idea," she says. "And there are funny elements, too. ... We've been told that 4-year-olds can sit through the performance."

And the adults are entertained, too.

"We've built up a fan base. This is 'The Nutcracker' they come to see. It's different and exciting — and super-kid-friendly," says Kelly. "And they're supporting good quality, affordable community theater."